What Careers are in Bioengineering?

As STEM careers go front and center as the must-have concentrations for college study, many students are shooting for gold with a degree in bioengineering. There are many jobs in bioengineering, and some of the top colleges around the world are offering degree programs in this competitive field; but what exactly is bioengineering? And what does it take to get into the field? Read on to learn more about this fascinating career that combines the study of many aspects of the scientific world.

What is Bioengineering?

Bioengineering is the broad field of study that combines computer science, chemistry, and biology with both mechanical and electrical engineering. The University of California at Berkeley defines bioengineering as a relatively new separate concentration that can give students the foundation they need on their path to practically any career or graduate degree.

What Careers are in Bioengineering?

Individuals who earn an undergraduate degree in bioengineering are ready to hold positions as:

  • Researchers
  • Developers
  • Management.

Common areas of employment are

  • Development of medical devices
  • Developing new pharmaceuticals
  • Researching genetics,
  • Agriculture or environmental fields
  • Non-profits and for-profits of all shapes and sizes
  • Other exciting STEM sectors

Many bioengineers do not stop with merely an undergraduate degree. They often choose a specialization or focus and continue through graduate school learning more about their chosen interests.

Job Outlook for Bioenginnering Careers

STEM careers are growing faster than ever before. Biomedical engineers, for example, are projected to be in demand by an increase of 23% through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2014, there were 22,100 jobs in the field. By 2024, there will be an estimated 5,100 more. The median salary for a biomedical engineer, as of May 2015, was $86,220 per year. An hourly wage of $41.45 is a great prize to keep your eyes on while you are studying harder than you’ve ever studied before.

Other similar career paths with considerable growth over the next ten years (and great median salaries) include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Sales Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Skills Required In Bioengineering

Think you have what it takes to make a name for yourself in bioengineering? Successful candidates for there careers have a special skill-set.

They must:

  • Possess excellent communication skills. Bioengineers typically work on teams and must be able to communicate with their team members to meet group and individual goals.
  • Be extremely creative. Bioengineering is an innovative field, and the minds that work in it must be as fresh and creative as the field itself.
  • Be good at math and science. STEM careers require significant science and mathematics study time.
  • Have natural analytical skills and be ready to problem solve. Bioengineers must analyze situations and come up with solutions to problems, sometimes in systems of great complexity.

Related Resource: What Careers are in Robotics?

Are these qualities you possess? Consider applying to an on-campus or online bioengineering program today. You have nothing to lose, only everything to gain with an accredited degree in bioengineering or a similar concentration. Join the STEM revolution taking the world by storm and be a part of the future.

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